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2013 mitsubishi lancer Model Overview

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The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a sleek compact car that has a lustrous outlook and detailing with exceptional handling on the road. The profoundly multipurpose Sportback can surpass most expectations that are expected from a midrange sport vehicle. It’s a five-door version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan, and offers sporty looks and features not found on the Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan. Its design is simple, yet elegant, and attractive to anyone, regardless of the age-group.

New For 2013

The aging Lancer continues with few changes for 2013. Contents of the SE’s Premium Package have been revised to include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, soft-touch door trim, power sunroof, and Rockford-Fosgate audio system. To differentiate the SE from the ES trim, Mitsubishi adds unique alloy wheels and a roof rack carrier to the 2013 SE’s equipment list.

Exterior

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a remarkable example of a flawless blend between a hatchback, sedan and sport vehicle. This design separates itself from the ordinary viewpoint of most car manufacturers in the same range. The front fascia of the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks gives an aggressive look, with a large black grille in the center and headlamps bowing to towards the center of the grille. The length, width and height measure at 180.4, 69.4 and 59.3 inches respectively. Mitsubishi is reported to have said that the large front grille aids air intakes found on fighter jets. The ES trim comes with 16-inch steel wheels, and the GT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior & Cargo

Although the Lancer Sportback’s interior is quite superfluous and chic, given its price range, it is not as attractive on the interior. The quality of leather and equipment used in the interior is of below average quality and would be disappointing to a customer. The interior is simple, elegant and dressed all in black. Navigation and the Multi Information Display are simple enough to use with useful functions. Voice recognition could be used to control simple functions of the car and Bluetooth connection allows the driver to connect their phone to the car for hands-free talking. The steering wheel has audio and cruise controls mounted on it for easy access while driving, however it lacks in telescoping functionality. The seats lack in height adjustability, hence most drivers would have to adjust to Lancer’s driving position rather than the seat adjusting to the driver’s needs. This could prove somewhat challenging and frustrating to drivers with a shorter height. The most notable interior features of the GT trim level are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and deep comfortable bucket seats. Cargo space in the Lancer Sportback measures at an enormous 52.7 cubic feet and total interior volume (with sunroof) stands at 108.3 cubic feet. A 140-watt music system is a standard on both trims, which plays AM, FM, CD and MP3 music format. The GT also includes a paddle shifter for manual shifting when needed, and automatic air conditioner and climate control with micron air filtration to keep the interior absolutely pure and free from any kind of dust particles. The climate and air-conditioning in the ES have to be controlled manually, which may prove to be a slight issue for some people out there since they are quite used to automated systems.

Safety

When it comes to the safety of the car and passengers in case of a collision, Mitsubishi takes no chances. Seven airbags all around the interior of the Lancer Sportback keep the passengers completely safe in case of a collision. Standard are the dual stage front driver and passenger airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags, which deploy upon collision to keep passengers from hitting metal bars and shattered glass from broken windows. The onboard central computer detects the deceleration during impact, the position of the driver’s seat, and the weight on the front of the passenger’s seat to provide the appropriate level of front airbag deployment. Moreover, a standard driver’s side knee airbag inhibits knee movement in order to prevent injury to the knees and lower body of the driver.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body has been designed to provide extra cushion in case of certain frontal collisions. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system makes the attachment of child safety seats easier and safer. The Active Stability Control stabilizes lateral movements of the vehicle that are caused at high speed and while cornering. The system applies brakes to the correct wheels to stabilize the vehicle.

Driving Experience

The ride in the Lancer Sportback is exceptional. The Lancer Sportback provides customers with the extra functionality and design expected from a sport vehicle, but at the same time keeps the comfort and cabin quietness that the Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan provides. Entertainment controls are conveniently located on the steering wheel which makes it quite easy to use them even while driving. The base ES trim level comes with a 2.0-liter engine, and the GT comes with a 2.4-liter engine, producing 148 and 198 horsepower respectively. Torque is measured at 145 lb-ft for the ES, and 167 lb-ft for the GT. The base 2.0-liter engine would give 25/34 mpg city/highway; the base 2.4-liter engine gives 22/31 city/highway; the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gives about 18/25 mpg city/highway, all on manual transmissions.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer-Sportback

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$15,995

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$7,700

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2013-09-19

Description

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

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